Doom Patrol is the second original program to debut on the DC streaming service. Much like its predecessor, it is Rated R. However unlike Titans it has colorful splashes of humor-laden through the episodes. The show revolves around an obscure group of gifted individuals collected by the Chief played by ex-Bond star Timothy Dalton.
Meet the D Team
The team is made up of Robotman who is essentially a different take on Robocop, but with a little more heart. Behind the prosthetics is old-time Brendan Fraser. Next up is the obnoxious ex-movie star personified by April Bowlby who becomes Elastic-Girl. Then we have the alien entity inflicted body, and under the tightly wrapped bandages is Matt Bomer. Rounding up the wacky team is Crazy Jane who is a schizophrenic, with each personality manifesting a unique power. (cough cough Legion). Diane Guerrero brings the oddball to life.
Does it Stack Up?
The review comes in 4 episodes deep in the series. Again unlike Netflix, DC chooses to release in the traditional weekly format. Even after Titans, I am unsure if this is good or bad, only time will tell. Maybe Netflix has spoiled us.
A Series is only as Good as its Villain
The series does take a rather different approach to its storytelling. The show is narrated by the villain, which I totally adore. Mr. Nobody played by Alan Tudyk is a very different villain than ones seen on television before. Even by superhero standards, he is rather extraordinary. His powers are rather hard to describe and would also take an interesting bit of the story away if one did. But Alan brings this mischievous villain to life. He manages to find the middle ground of charming the audience while still being menacing. And yes he does break the fourth wall.
The series is well made and seems to hold up as it progresses, the shorter run does also mean less to zero filler episodes. And has already given a Justice League member an ongoing cameo. The characters may feel like knock offs but a quick historical check will have you release the Doom Patrol are one of DC’s older properties. A great story driver is obviously the inner conflict with the team.
Where to Next?
The show has heart and interesting direction. And while the Rated R part may limit its audience it will help strengthen longevity with the market it is allowed to reach. It’s another right step in DC’s TV ambitions. Unlike Titans it does drag out the origins of its heroes, thus allowing the main plot to start almost immediately. And due to the fact, its characters are virtually unknown to mainstream audiences, it feels fresh and new. The only question now is will it grant Swamp Thing a back door intro like the way Titans did for it.
